Norway provides NOK 210 million for women’s health and rights

The support comes at a time when women’s rights are being challenged in many parts of the world and international funding for health is under pressure.

‘Access to contraception, safe abortion and essential health services is crucial to women’s freedom, health and opportunities. We know that these services save lives and give women and girls greater opportunities to pursue education, participate in the workforce and make decisions about their own futures,‘ said Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust.

The UNFPA Supplies Partnership is a global fund that helps countries ensure access to contraception and other essential sexual and reproductive health services. The initiative strengthens health systems and, in particular, enables young people to make informed choices about their own bodies and futures.

‘As opposition to women’s rights grows, it is all the more important for countries like Norway to stand up for measures that work. No woman should lose her life because she lacks access to contraception, safe abortion or healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth. That is why we are now strengthening our cooperation with UNFPA Supplies,‘ said Mr Aukrust.

Norway is a global advocate for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and UNFPA is Norway’s most important UN partner in this area. The current international political and financial situation is making this work increasingly challenging.

‘When others cut funding for these efforts, the risk of girls and women being left without even the most basic services increases. Norway wants to take responsibility for countering this trend. We will continue to be a strong voice for women’s rights and a reliable partner for UNFPA,‘ said the Minister of International Development

Norway wants to take responsibility for countering this trend. We will continue to be a strong voice for women’s rights and a reliable partner for UNFPA,‘ said the Minister of International Development.